tances, and there seemed
always some new pleasure to look forward to.

The Song and Glee Club started up afresh as the winter evenings set in, and
with a concert in the perspective the rehearsals were frequent and well
attended.

Dexie's fine voice caused her to be given a more prominent part than she
thought was her just due. She had no wish to be thrust forward into notice
when there were older members of the club who were better entitled to her
place, but she had no objection to being accompanist, for in that position
she felt at home. But she was destined to come before the public in a more
conspicuous manner.

One evening a member of the club brought in some new music, and the few who
had heard it were so delighted with its melody, that they eagerly urged its
performance at the approaching concert. A copy of the music being handed to
Dexie by Lancy, she began to hum it softly to herself, but becoming
enraptured with the bewitching strains of the composition, she
unconsciously changed the low hum to a soft whistle, which grew louder as
she proceeded. Sense of time and place disappeared, and she was unaware of
the delight of the little group around her, until the unusual silence
caused her to lift her eyes and understand the meaning of the sudden hush
that had fallen on those present. A burning blush covered her face as she
stammered out:

"I beg your pardon, ladies and gentlemen; I forgot where I was," and then
sank on a seat near and hid her burning cheeks behind her book.

Lancy was at her side in a moment.

"Never mind, Dexie. You can't think how well it sounded. They were
delighted."

"Oh, how _could_ you let me go on, Lancy? You might have stopped me, I'm
sure," she said, indignantly.

But she was immediately surrounded, and praises and interrogations poured
forth from every side, making Gussie, who stood apart, turn pale with
jealousy.

"Why did you not tell us that you could imitate the birds?"

"I never heard anything so perfectly sweet," said a lady member, pressing
forward to speak to the blushing girl.

Dexie wished the floor would open and let her drop out of sight, but she
gradually regained her composure and listened with displeasure to the
general conversation, during which this new element of music was discussed
at length.

"Miss Sherwood, do come to the piano and try that again with the
accompaniment," said the leader, Mr. Ross. "You really must give us the
benefit of that flute-like